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Islamic Clerics, NBA Condemn Attack On Redeemed Church In Kontagora

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The Director-General of the Niger State Bureau for Religious Affairs, Umar Abdullahi, said the attack on the church raised deep concerns.
Islamic clerics in Niger State have condemned last Saturday’s attack on the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) by hoodlums in Kontagora.
The incident in which the church building was looted and set on fire has drawn widespread condemnation in the state, including from Governor Mohammed Bago.
In separate interviews, the clerics said Islam prohibits aggression by Muslims against people of other faiths, and further enjoins them to treat non-Muslims well.
The Director-General of the Niger State Bureau for Religious Affairs, Umar Abdullahi, said the attack on the church raised deep concerns.
Mr Abdullahi said the actions of the attackers contradict the teachings of Islam, stressing that the core message of Islam is unity and peaceful coexistence.
“Islam teaches the importance of protecting places of worship, irrespective of the faith practised within them. The Qur’an warns against the destruction of any place where God’s name is remembered, whether it be a monastery, church, synagogue, or mosque,” he said
Mr Abdullahi cited Surah Al-Hajj (22:40), which states: “And were it not that Allah checks the people, some by means of others, there would have been demolished monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques in which the name of Allah is much mentioned.”
He said the verse underscores the sanctity of all houses of worship.
An Islamic scholar at Imam Buhari Islamic Foundation in Minna, Zakari Jibril, also said Islam guarantees the protection of the worship centres of other religious groups.
“Allah (SWT) said, ‘Let there will be no compulsion in religion. Truth stands clear from error. (Q2:256)’”, he said.
“Allah said, ‘The truth has now come from your sustainer; let then he who wills believe in it, and let he who wills reject it” (Q18:29).
Meanwhile, the Kontagora emirate council has expressed solidarity with the church members.
The Sarkin Sudan of Kontagora, Muhammadu Mu’azu II, said he was “deeply saddened and disturbed by the senseless and vicious act intended to provoke religious tension and undermine the peaceful coexistence among the community.
“The emirate council condemns this heinous act in the strongest terms possible and assures you that we stand with you in this difficult moment.
“We will do everything within our power to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice and that the church is able to continue its service without fear or intimidation,” the traditional ruler said.
In its reaction, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Minna called for peaceful coexistence among adherents of the two major religions in the state.
The chairman of the association, Isyaku Barau, described the burning of the church as a barbaric act.
Mr Barau appealed to the state government and security agencies to track the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
He also called on the Christian community in the state to remain calm and refrain from any act of retaliation.
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Northern Community Gets New Dan Buran In Rivers state

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The Arewa /Northern Community in Rivers state has appointed Alhaji Shuaibu Wada Madawakin Tilda as the Acting Dan Buran Rivers State.

The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Cabinet Council.

The appointment follows the dethronement of the former occupant,
Alhaji Musa Saeedu.

A statement from the Palace of the Sarkin Arewa/Northern Community (Sarkin Hausawan) in Rivers State and signed by His Royal Highness, Alhaji Hussaini Isah said the dethronement is with immediate effect.

The statement further disclosed that the decision follows an allegation of acts of insubordination and conduct considered contrary to the values, discipline, and traditions of the Northern community perpetuated by the Fmr Dan Buran.

The statement advised the public to discontinue to recognising and addressing Alhaji Musa Saeedu as the Dan Buran of the State, adding that he no longer holds the title and remained suspended.

Responding via telephone interview, Alhaji Musa Saeedu said he will not make any comment regarding the matter.

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French Teachers Day 2025: PH Celebrates International French Teachers Day

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The Alliance Française of Port Harcourt opened its doors to more than sixty French language teachers from Port Harcourt and across Rivers State at the weekend for an afternoon dedicated to celebration, creativity, and community spirit.

The event which was Supported by the Embassy of France in Nigeria, forms part of the global celebrations marking the Journée Internationale du Professeur de Français (French Teachers Day) a day officially set aside to observe worldwide every 20 November.

The Tide Entertainment reports that every year, French teachers around the globe are honoured for the passion and dedication they bring into their classrooms.In 2025, the theme chosen “Chanter, jouer, enseigner: la francophonie en musique” (Sing, Play, Teach: Francophonie in Music) invited the entire community to explore the joy of teaching through song, performance, and artistic expression.

A Day that brings teachers together for the French teaching community in Port Harcourt, this celebration is much more than a ceremony, it is a rare moment to step away from the classroom and reconnect with the simple joy of sharing, learning, and creating together.

The Alliance Française transformed the occasion into a space buzzing with music and entertainment. Teachers from primary schools, secondary schools, universities, and adult learning centers gathered to exchange ideas, reconnected with colleagues, and discover each other’s talents in an atmosphere filled with warmth and friendship.

Honouring Creativity with the theme “Our Teachers Have Talent!”This year, the Embassy of France launched a national contest titled “Nos profs ont du talent!” (“Our Teachers Have Talent !”), participants were invited to either interpret or create a Francophone song.For a month, from 13 October to 13 November 2025, teachers from across the country submitted their performances online, filling the digital space with francophone music.While winners of this nationwide competition were announced.

According to the the Director, Mrs Marina Lacal, Alliance Française Port Harcourt, excitement and anticipation were added to the celebrations, saying that in Port Harcourt, the festivities went even further. Port Harcourt experienced a Unique Celebration that went beyond the online competition, Alliance Française Port Harcourt created something special, an event where teachers met physically, shared moment of joy, and present their musical talents live.On stage, teachers sang the songs they love and those they have created, showcasing the creativity that animates their classrooms every day.

She explained that that off stage, they( participants )shared stories, network with colleagues, laughed together, and celebrated their unique contribution to the promotion of the French language in Rivers State.This gathering is also a moment of recognition. Every day, French teachers open doors for thousands of learners, children discovering their first French words, teenagers preparing for exams, university students shaping their future careers, and adults embracing new opportunities.

“Today, the spotlight shines on them. More Than an Event, A Tribute to Their Dedication The 2025 celebration in Port Harcourt was a heartfelt tribute to the teachers who make French come alive, those who inspire, guide, and encourage learners with unwavering commitment,” Mrs. Lacal said

The Director explained that It recognises their resilience, their creativity, and their essential role in building bridges between cultures.By offering them a moment of relaxation, fun, artistic expression, and professional networking, Alliance Française Port Harcourt reaffirms its mission to support educators, strengthen the teaching community, and celebrate the vibrant energy of the Francophonie in Nigeria.

Climax of the exciting event was the presentation of prizes to winners of the competition.

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OGONI ARISE CONCERT 2025: A Triumph Of Unity, Peace, And Cultural Pride

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The Chairman Advisory Committee on Entertainment and Performing Arts, Khana Local Government Area, Hon. Lexy M. Mueka has expressed gratitude to the Chairman of Khana Local Government Area Dr. Thomas Bariere for his support and vision in promoting entertainment as a tool for peacebuilding and youth engagement.

Hon Mueka made this known to the Tide Entertainment during a recently concluded concert tagged “OGONI ARISE CONCERT” held at the No. 6 Field, Old Port Harcourt Township.

According to him, the concert was not just an event but a movement aimed at reawakening the cultural consciousness of the Ogoni people and inspiring the younger generation to use their talents positively.

The Tide Entertainment reports that the event, organized by Triple 3 Entertainment under the auspices of the office of the Chairman Advisory committee on Entertainment and Performing Arts to the Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, was a vibrant celebration of peace, unity, and cultural renaissance among the Ogoni people.

“Conceptualized as a platform to promote social harmony, empower young creatives, and showcase the rich artistic heritage of Ogoniland, the Ogoni Arise Concert succeeded in bringing together community leaders, entertainers, and the general public in a rare show of solidarity. The event featured electrifying performances by indigenous and regional artistes, dance troupes, comedians, and cultural ambassadors, all united under one message — Ogoni is rising again,” Hon. Mueka said.

“The Ogoni Arise Concert was designed to remind us of who we are — a people of strength, creativity, and unity. We wanted to show that entertainment can be a bridge for peace, a voice for our youth, and a celebration of our identity,” he added.

The event also featured a special Award Presentation Ceremony recognizing distinguished Ogoni sons and daughters who have made remarkable contributions in areas such as leadership, humanitarian service, creative excellence, and cultural promotion. The awards added a touch of prestige and purpose, reinforcing the concert’s theme of celebrating excellence while inspiring future generations.

Security at the event venue was top-notch, turnout of attendance impressive, and the atmosphere electric throughout the night.

Meanwhile, guests and participants had described the event as “historic, well-organized, and truly uplifting.”

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